Former Sen. Lew Entz, a Republican, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, a Democrat, go over a military cemetery bill before it is heard in committee.

Republican Lew Entz lost his Senate seat in 2006 to Democrat Gail Schwartz in an election that created plenty of hard feelings, but the pair sat side by side this week during testimony on a bill to improve a veterans cemetery.

“Everything in its own time, right?” Schwartz said.

Over the years, she and Entz have collaborated on water issues, school construction and the potato industry. And she said his passion for helping the Homelake veterans cemetery is limitless.

“He has really dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy on the cemetery,” Schwartz said. “I have so much respect for him.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.